Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Breakfast Cereal vs Granola Bar: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Granola Bar is generally healthier

Granola Bar comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (193 vs 379), less sugar (12g vs 24g), less sodium (178mg vs 760mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Granola Bar

193 kcal

More Protein

Breakfast Cereal

7g

More Fiber

Breakfast Cereal

6g

Less Sugar

Granola Bar

12g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
379
Granola Bar
193
Proteinper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
7g
Granola Bar
4g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
84g
Granola Bar
28g
Fatper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
1.9g
Granola Bar
8g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientBreakfast CerealGranola BarDifference
Calories379kcal193kcal+186.0kcal
Protein7g4g+3.0g
Carbohydrates84g28g+56.0g
Fat1.9g8g-6.1g
Fiber6g2g+4.0g
Sugar24g12g+12.0g
Sodium760mg178mg+582.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Breakfast Cereal

Per 100g:379 calories
Per cup (150g):569 calories
Per serving (85g):322 calories

Granola Bar

Per 100g:193 calories
Per cup (150g):290 calories
Per serving (85g):164 calories

Diet Compatibility

Breakfast Cereal

VeganVegetarian

Granola Bar

VeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Breakfast Cereal

  • Higher in protein (7g vs 4g)
  • More fiber (6g vs 2g)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Breakfast Cereal nutrition →

When to Choose Granola Bar

  • Lower in calories (193 vs 379)
  • Lower in carbs (28g vs 84g)
  • Less sugar (12g vs 24g)
  • Lower sodium (178mg vs 760mg)

Common Uses

Between mealsMovie nightsPartiesTravel food
View full Granola Bar nutrition →

Breakfast Cereal vs Granola Bar: Nutritional Analysis

Breakfast Cereal is more calorie-dense at 379 calories per 100g compared to 193 for Granola Bar, a difference of 186 calories. On the protein front, Breakfast Cereal delivers more with 7g per 100g versus 4g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Breakfast Cereal and Granola Bar tell different nutritional stories. Breakfast Cereal provides 84g of carbohydrates, 1.9g of fat, and 6g of fiber per 100g, while Granola Bar contains 28g carbs, 8g fat, and 2g fiber. The higher fiber content in Breakfast Cereal supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Breakfast Cereal contains 24g while Granola Bar has 12g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Granola Bar is the lower-calorie choice at 193 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Breakfast Cereal provides more protein (7g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Breakfast Cereal offers more fiber (6g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Breakfast Cereal or Granola Bar?

Breakfast Cereal has more calories with 379 kcal per 100g, compared to Granola Bar with 193 kcal. That's a difference of 186 calories per 100g serving.

Is Breakfast Cereal healthier than Granola Bar?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Granola Bar is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Granola Bar has 193 calories, 4g protein, and 2g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Breakfast Cereal and Granola Bar?

Breakfast Cereal has more protein with 7g per 100g, compared to Granola Bar with 4g. Breakfast Cereal provides 3.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Breakfast Cereal or Granola Bar?

For weight loss, Granola Bar is the better choice with only 193 calories per 100g compared to 379 calories in Breakfast Cereal. Breakfast Cereal also offers 6g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Breakfast Cereal or Granola Bar have fewer carbs?

Granola Bar has fewer carbs with 28g per 100g, compared to Breakfast Cereal with 84g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Granola Bar is the better option with 56.0g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.